Remarkable Enhancement of Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenol Isomers by Decoration of Ni Nanosheets with Cu Species.

Herein, the catalytic reduction of isomers of nitrophenols (NPS) using Ni x Cu y nanostructures with different molar ratios is presented. Ni x Cu y catalysts are prepared using star-shaped Ni nanoparticles as seeds. The applied synthesis transforms Ni nanoparticles into sheet-like structures when Cu species are deposited on them. The bimetallic sheet-like Ni x Cu y nanostructures demonstrate high catalytic activity to reduce NP isomers concerning their monometallic counterparts. The contribution of the Cu + species affects the catalytic reduction of the NPS isomers. For example, the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) depends on the Ni:Cu molar ratio: Ni 1.75 Cu > Cu > NiCu > Ni 7 Cu > Ni 3.5 Cu > Ni. The Ni 7 Cu catalyst exhibits the highest catalytic activity in the reduction of nitrophenol isomers 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) and 3-nitrophenol (3-NP), and the obtained results are comparable with those reported for noble-metal-based catalysts. The low-cost production of Ni x Cu y catalysts and their high catalytic stability and availability make them attractive for industrial applications.